Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has risen to international stardom through her unique blend of Afrobeats, Alté, and R&B.
Known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, she has been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian music scene and bringing Afrobeats to a global audience. With collaborations featuring global icons like Drake, Wizkid, and Justin Bieber, Tems has quickly become a household name. Her work has earned her several awards and solidified her place in the music industry.
Let’s examine Tems’ life journey, career highlights, net worth, and impact on modern music.
Tems Biography
| Real name | Temilade Openiyi |
| Famous as | Tems |
| Gender | Female |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height in feet | 5’4” |
| Height in centimetres | 163 |
| Weight in pounds | 132 |
| Weight in kilograms | 60 |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Siblings | 1 |
| Relationship status | Single |
| College | Dowen College in Lekki, Monash South Africa University |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| @temsbaby | |
| @temsbaby | |
| TikTok | @temsbaby |
Early Life and Background
Temilade Openiyi (born in Lagos, Nigeria, on June 11, 1995, 30 years old). With a British-Nigerian father and a Nigerian mother, she spent her early years in Nigeria before her family briefly moved to the United Kingdom. Following her parents’ separation, Tems and her mother returned to Lagos, where she grew up in various neighbourhoods, including Ilupeju, Lekki, and Ajah.
Tems’s love for music began in her teenage years. Influenced by her mother’s love for gospel music and her exposure to R&B artists like Beyoncé and Alicia Keys, she developed a unique sound that blended contemporary R&B with traditional African beats.
She attended Dowen College in Lagos and later studied Economics at a university in Johannesburg, South Africa. During her college years, she learned music production, an essential skill that she would leverage to create her first hit songs.
Music Career
Rise to Fame
Tems began her music career by releasing her debut single, Mr. Rebel, in 2018, showcasing her powerful vocals and self-produced beats. However, her 2019 track, Try Me, truly catapulted her into the spotlight.
The song quickly went viral, topping the charts and earning millions of streams. It showcased her as a leading voice in the Nigerian Alté scene, a genre-blending Afrobeat, soul, and hip-hop.
In 2020, Tems released her debut EP, For Broken Ears, featuring the hit single Damages. This EP solidified her position in the Nigerian music scene and marked her as one of the most promising talents in Afrobeats. The EP’s success attracted international attention, and Tems began collaborating with prominent global artists.
Breakthrough Collaborations and Mainstream Success
One of Tems’ career-defining moments came in 2020, when she collaborated with Nigerian superstar Wizkid on his hit track “Essence,” which became a global phenomenon. The track achieved mainstream success in the United States, topping various international charts, including the Billboard Hot 100. Due to its immense popularity, Essence was later remixed to include Justin Bieber, further amplifying its reach.
Tems’ collaboration with Drake on the song “Fountains” from Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy marked her second entry on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing her global appeal. These collaborations have propelled her into the international music scene and cemented her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most influential female artists.
Recent Projects
In September 2021, Tems released her second EP, If Orange Was A Place, featuring hit songs like Crazy Tings. This EP was met with critical acclaim, achieved commercial success, and demonstrated her unique sound and versatility. She is also signed to RCA Records, a major music label, allowing her to reach even broader audiences worldwide.
Discography Highlights
- Mr. Rebel (2018)
- Try Me (2019)
- For Broken Ears (2020) – Key track: Damages
- If Orange Was a Place (2021) – Key track: Crazy Tings
- Collaborations:
- Essence with Wizkid and Justin Bieber
- Fountains with Drake
- Know Your Worth (Remix) with Khalid and Davido
Awards and Achievements
Tems’ contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, reflecting her impact on the global music industry:
- Grammy Award Nomination – Best Global Music Performance for Essence
- NAACP Image Awards – Outstanding International Song for Essence
- BET Awards – Best International Act
- MTV Europe Music Awards – Nominated for Best African Act
Her accolades showcase her role in popularizing Afrobeats and bringing Nigerian music to international acclaim.
Tems Net Worth and Income Sources
Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer with an estimated net worth of around $3 million, derived from her music career, brand endorsements, and streaming royalties.
- Music Sales and Streaming: Tems earns significant income from her streaming on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as from sales of her albums and EPs.
- Live Performances and Tours: Her performances at international venues and festivals have increased her earnings.
- Endorsements and Partnerships: Tems has collaborated with prominent brands, including Tommy Hilfiger and Reebok, which have contributed to her income.
Influence and Impact
Tems has been recognized for her contribution to the global Afrobeats movement. By blending her African roots with contemporary sounds, she has crafted a style that resonates internationally, inspiring upcoming artists in Africa and beyond.
FAQs about Tems
Where is Tems originally from?
Tems was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and her cultural background includes Nigerian and British influences.
What genre of music does Tems produce?
Her music spans Afrobeats, Alté, and R&B, blending traditional African rhythms with Western influences.
What is Tems’ biggest hit?
Her collaboration with Wizkid on “Essence” is her most famous track, having achieved global success and earned a Grammy nomination.
Has Tems won any awards?
Yes, Tems has won several awards and numerous nominations, including a Grammy nomination and an NAACP Image Award.
Who has Tems collaborated with?
Tems has worked with artists like Wizkid, Drake, Khalid, Justin Bieber, and Davido, showcasing her appeal across different music genres.
Conclusion
Tems is a trailblazer in the music industry. She combines her unique vocal style and Nigerian heritage with global sounds to create an appealing, resonant style. From her early days in Lagos to her rise as a Grammy-nominated artist, Tems’ journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and cultural pride. With her growing influence in Afrobeats and impressive achievements, Tems continues to inspire fans worldwide and redefine the boundaries of African music on the global stage.
